A statue of Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled his home ground – Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Wednesday.
While stands at many grounds around the world are named after famous players, there are few statues of living cricketers anywhere and even fewer inside a venue.
“It is indeed a special moment for me,” said the 50-year-old Tendulkar following the unveiling. “I’m truly humbled…Standing here brings back so many memories.”
Earlier Tendulkar, surrounded by photographers, television personnel and police, was serenaded onto the outfield by a band playing traditional Indian dhol.
Then, at the push of a button, a statue created by local sculptor Pramod Kamble was unveiled amid fireworks and streamers.
The statue is sited high in a gap next to the Sachin Tendulkar stand, overlooking the field of play from square-on, with the ‘Little Master’ depicted at the finish of a classic straight drive – one of his most familiar shots.
Tendulkar, who retired in 2013 after a Test against the West Indies at the Wankhede, said every batter needs a non-striker as he dedicated the statue to “all the cricketers who played with me”.
Tendulkar recalled how his first visit to the Wankhede had been as a 10-year-old boy in 1983 to watch India play the West Indies soon after…
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